Search Athletics

Subscribe

Tools

2004 Men’s Cross Country Preview

The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s cross country team is set to begin the 2004 season under the direction of new head coach Jed Friedrich. Coach Friedrich inherits a program that placed eighth at the MIAC Championships in 2003, which was its best finish since 1999. Gustavus will have a familiar look as it returns its top seven runners from last season.

The Gusties will be led by Brent Magnusson (SR, Pelican Rapids, Minn.), Collin Meierbachtol (SO, Northfield, Minn.), Andy Rishavy (JR, Alexandria, Minn.), Jahred Stephens (JR, Minnetonka, Minn.), Ryan Taylor (SR, Mankato, Minn.), Dan Westlund (JR, Northfield, Minn.) and Alex Zupan (SO, Monona, Wisc.). The top returnees from that group are Magnusson and Zupan. Zupan was the top finisher at the conference meet in 2003 placing 27th and Magnusson was the top finisher at the region meet in 2003 placing 77th. Coach Friedrich listed newcomers Chris Delaubenfels (FY, Mount Vernon, Iowa), Elliot Saltzman (FY, Woodbury, Minn.) and Chris Lund (FY, Duluth, Minn.) as runners that could have an impact on the squad this fall.

Coach Friedrich is optimistic that the team will continue to move forward. “The top runners from last year’s squad are returning with more experience at the college level,” Friedrich commented. “Several of the guys really bumped up their summer training and will make an impact on this team. The men could make a big jump in the conference standings if they continue to work hard and push each other in the training sessions.”

Gustavus reported for pre-season training on August 25th and will open the season on September 4th at the St. Mary’s University Invitational.